episodes:

• 07.13.2017

  How To Promote Your Picture Book with Jake Parker :: Stories Unbound #20

  In today’s conversation with Jake Parker (Author/ Illustrator of Little Bot and Sparrow, Creator of Inktober) we discuss different ideas for promoting your picture book: - When should you start growing an audience? (Sooner than you think!) - Why trust is...

  
• 07.05.2017

  [Announcement] New Visual Development Workshop Now Available!

  I have an urgent (but awesome) announcement! Our new Visual Development Workshop is finally open for enrollment! To learn more, listen to the audio announcement via the media player below… Listen To The 'First Flight' Announcement: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/FirstFlight-OatleyAcademyArtCast-Announcement.mp3 [ download the mp3...

  
• 04.18.2017

  Interview with Scholastic Editor Orli Zuravicky :: Stories Unbound #19

  Orli Zuravicky is a Senior Editor at Scholastic and the author of the forthcoming Happily Ever Afterlife middle grade novel series. In this interview we talk about: - How an Editor chooses an Illustrator. - How to approach an Editor...

  
• 03.08.2017

  Interview with Literary Agent Jennifer March Soloway (Part 2) :: Stories Unbound #18

  In part one, we talked about query letters and how to submit your work to an agent with Jennifer March Soloway, Associate Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Today in part two we talk about: - Beginning writer? Learn more on...

  
• 02.08.2017

  Interview with Literary Agent Jennifer March Soloway (Part 1) :: Stories Unbound #17

  Jennifer March Soloway is an Associate Agent at the reputable Andrea Brown Literary Agency. In this interview: - How to pitch your story to an Agent. - What’s a query letter? …and how to write one. - Why it’s important...

  
• 01.11.2017

  Indie Vs Traditional Publishing with ‘Part Of My Heart’ Author Mike Sundy :: Stories Unbound #16

  For Children’s Book creators, it has never been easier to Self-Publish… But is Independent Publishing the best way? In today’s episode, Mike Sundy, former Pixar crew member and best-selling Children’s Book author talks about: - Do you really need a...

  
• 12.14.2016

  Building Your Kidlit Career: Agents :: Stories Unbound #15

  Literary Agents and Artist Representatives can often open doors for Authors and Illustrators in the Children’s Book Industry… But is having an Agent essential for building your career? In today’s episode, publishing experts Giuseppe Castellano (Art Director: Penguin Random House),...

  
• 12.06.2016

  [Announcement] New Release Date for ‘DIY Animation’ + ‘Painting Drama’ Auditions Open Soon!

  'Beast of Burden' assignment from 'Painting Drama 1' by Ian Rosenthaler Hey, friends! We have two exciting OA announcements for you: 1.) We *finally* have a new release date for The DIY Animation Show (Wednesday, December 7th) …and… 2.) Auditions for the next...

  
• 11.02.2016

  Interview with DreamWorks Animation Art Director and Children’s Book Illustrator Samantha Kallis :: Stories Unbound #14

  Samantha Kallis is an Art Director at Dreamworks TV Animation Studio, and the illustrator of The Fantastic Frame chapter book series, written by Lin Oliver, Executive Director of SCBWI. Join us today as we talk about: - How Social Media...

  
• 10.12.2016

  Launching Your Kidlit Career (Part 2): Critique Groups :: Stories Unbound #13

  Creative community is vital for kidlit illustrators and authors. In this episode, guest co-host Manelle Oliphant and I talk about: - How to get the most helpful feedback from your Critique Group. - Keeping criticism positive with the “Critique Sandwich”...

  
• 06.01.2016

  Interview with Kidlit Author and Illustrator LeUyen Pham :: Stories Unbound #9

  LeUyen Pham's versatile illustrations can be found in over 80 books, including picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade novels. In this episode, Uyen talks about leaving her high-paying animation job for full-time freelance, how and when to say “No” to potential clients and...

  
• 05.04.2016

  Interview with Jake Parker :: Stories Unbound #8

  Jake Parker, the creator of Inktober and World Art Drop Day, has worked on everything from animated films to comic books to picture books. In today's episode we talk about Jake's forthcoming picture book, Little Bot and Sparrow, and the...

  
• 04.06.2016

  Interview With Mark Pett, Picture Book “Authorstrator” :: Stories Unbound #7

  Mark Pett is a former syndicated comics creator and self-proclaimed “Authorstrator” of 5 charming picture books, including his forthcoming title: This Is My Book! In today's interview, Mark reveals how creating a daily comic strip became his creative boot camp… And how this shaped him into the prolific...

  
• 03.10.2016

  Interview With Kristyn Crow, Picture Book Author :: Stories Unbound #6

  Kristyn Crow is the author of eight delightful picture books, including her soon-to-be released title: Hello, Hippo! Goodbye, Bird! Kristyn is a genius with rhyme and wordplay, and in today's interview she shares how literary devices such as rhythm,  musical quality, and...

  
• 02.03.2016

  Interview With Ovi Nedelcu, Laika Artist and Picture Book Creator :: Stories Unbound #5

  Ovi Nedelcu is an animation visual development artist and character designer (Warner Bros., Laika) and the creator of the heartfelt picture book, Just Like Daddy. In today's interview we dig deep into Ovi's process – the sophisticated way he combines words and pictures and how the shapes and...

  
• 01.13.2016

  Interview with Pixar Art Director and Picture Book Creator Noah Klocek :: Stories Unbound #4

  Noah Klocek is an Art Director at Pixar Animation Studios by day, and a picture book creator by night. On today's episode, we learn about the ups and downs in creating his gorgeous picture book Cloud Country. We also discuss how he incorporates...

  
• 12.23.2015

  Interview with Art Director for Penguin Random House Giuseppe Castellano (Part 2) :: Stories Unbound #3

  In part 1 of this interview, Giuseppe Castellano recounted his journey towards achieving his successful career, and we discussed getting your work in front of industry professionals, and how to avoid becoming discouraged in a highly competitive field. Today, we talk about the...

  
• 12.16.2015

  Interview with Art Director for Penguin Random House Giuseppe Castellano (Part 1) :: Stories Unbound #2

  Giuseppe Castellano is a renowned Art Director at Penguin Random House, and has over sixteen years of valuable experience in the world of book publishing. In this episode, Giuseppe recounts his journey towards achieving his successful career, and we discuss getting your work in front of...

  
• 12.11.2015

  The Changing Landscape Of The KidLit Industry :: Stories Unbound #1

  Welcome to Stories Unbound, your guide to the growing world of kidlit and children's book publishing. I'm your host, Shawna JC Tenney. This is the first of five new shows that will be launching on The Oatley Academy Podcast Network! Today, I gather six of...

  
• 11.28.2015

  ‘Stories Unbound’ Launches December 16th, 2015!

  Shawna JC Tenney, the rest of Team OA and I are happy to *finally* announce the launch of yet another new Oatley Academy podcast: Stories Unbound: Your Guide To The Growing World Of Kidlit and Children's Book Publishing! Stories Unbound is the...